CCYHA’s Zero Tolerance Policy

All CCYHA members, including players, parents, and coaches are required to sign statements during the registration process acknowledging their receipt and understanding of the Zero Tolerance Policy.

Zero Tolerance will be strictly enforced. Expect to see a high level of commitment to this policy from our club. YOU MAY ALSO BE ASKED TO LEAVE A GAME REGARDLESS OF WHETHER THE OFFICIAL ASKED YOU TO LEAVE.

We cannot stress enough how important it is for you to be conscientious about your comments and actions in the stands. Realizing that any lapses in judgment come from concern for your player, we still have to be aware of what we are doing and saying as fans.

CCYHA’s Parent Code of Conduct

This policy is adapted from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Parent’s Code of Conduct.

As a caregiver/parent(s) of the Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA) participant, I (we) am/are in agreement:

That it is a privilege, not a right, for our child/children to play youth hockey.

That sportsmanship, teamwork, and fair play are essential to the sport of hockey, and as such are the most important skills that our child/children can gain from youth hockey.

That because our child/children learn from our example, we as caregivers/parents need to exemplify the highest level of sportsmanship by supporting all players, coaches, team managers, referees, and parents.

By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, our child will benefit.

Therefore, we agree to the following Code of Conduct Policy:

1. Encourage our child to play by the rules. Children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

2. Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit our young athlete.

3. Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of our child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them. Support rules, guidelines, and expectations set forth by the coaches and coordinators.

4. Promote and support CCYHA’s Player Code of Conduct and rules set forth by USA Hockey.

5. Observe the 24-hour rule: No caregiver/parent, or relative of any CCYHA player, in a fit of frustration/anger over a player’s ice time/position, coaches’ play of a player, and/or team status per our tryout policy will contact the coach, divisional coordinator, or any other member of the CCYHA Board of Trustees within 24 hours. This includes by email, phone call, text message, written/typed letters, or any other social media avenue.

6. Caregivers or parents who are evicted from any rink may be subject for review by the CCYHA Board of Trustees.

7. No inappropriate yelling at players either on our team or the opposing team. Caregivers/parents who are hostile or otherwise act inappropriately toward players in any arena or via email, phone call, text messages, written/typed letters, or any other social media site may be subject for review by the CCYHA Board of Trustees.

8. No inappropriate actions toward coaches, referees, or opposing team’s parents. Caregivers/parents who create hostile or other inappropriate actions toward any coaches, referees, or opposing team fans in any arena or via email, phone call, text messages, written/typed letters, or any other social media site may be subject for review by the CCYHA Board of Trustees.

9. Communicate violations of the Code of Conduct. Any CCYHA member witnessing or involved in a violation of any portion of the CCYHA Caregiver/Parent Code of Conduct may bring the issue forward, after the 24-hour rule, to the Board of Trustees by emailing the Director of Hockey Operations, President, or Vice President.

Depending on facts and circumstances, consequences due to violation(s) of the above may range from probation or suspension of the caregiver/parent, and possibly the player, from CCYHA events (including team events, practices, games, tournaments), to expulsion from CCYHA.

Any concern brought to the Disciplinary Committee may be referred for a hearing if warranted. Past concerns may be taken into account by the Disciplinary Committee. The CCYHA Board of Trustees and Director of Hockey Operations will notify the individual(s) in writing after a disciplinary hearing (if necessary), outlining the sanction that is being set forth. This will be done in a timely manner.

Sanctions will start as quickly as possible after a discussion between the appropriate CCYHA Board member(s) and the involved caregiver/parent(s).

All inappropriate actions and resulting sanctions will be communicated to other local hockey associations.

If a caregiver/parent does not agree with a sanction or disciplinary action, please refer to the CCYHA Grievance policy.

CCYHA’s Player Code of Conduct

This policy is adapted from the USA Hockey Zero Tolerance Player’s Code of Conduct

Play for fun.

Work hard to improve your skills.

Learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and discipline. Players will take pride in their team and contribute to the team’s unity. Players will adhere strictly to the coach’s rules and be supportive of the coach’s practice plans, game plans, and other decisions.

Be a team player – get along with your teammates. Do not criticize other teammates or their play. Hockey is a team sport; as such the interests of the team take precedence over the individual.

Be on time. Notify the coach or manager in advance when you must miss. A reason such as religion class, school activity, illness, etc. must be given. Be at the rink by the appointed time set by the coaches.

Never argue with an official’s decision. Learn the rules and play by them. The only individuals who may speak to officials are the coaches and/or designated players under the instruction of their coaches. There is zero tolerance for abusive behavior. Harassment, obscene language, gestures, and other behavior deemed to be abusive directed toward referees will be subject to sanctions. Coaches have the authority to escalate any situation to the appropriate level depending on the severity of the incident.

Do not attemptto deliberately injure another player(s). Any player incurring a MATCH penalty for “attempt to injure” or other offense deemed equally serious by the coach shall be subject to suspension beyond the USA HOCKEY rules as deemed appropriate by the CCYHA Board. Fighting; wrestling; or throwing a punch in a game, practice, or locker room qualifies under this code.

Wear the proper protective equipment. Proper protective equipment includes a mouth guard and unaltered helmet. A neck guard is highly recommended. You are responsible for your own equipment.

All players are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner. Destructive or delinquent behavior in the locker room and/or before, during, or after a game, or practice, will not be tolerated. Conduct should be respectable when with the team at any other public facility including restaurants, hotels, etc. Players should be attentive when coaches explain practices drills, game strategies, and other information or instructions.

Use of cellphones and other mobile devices are prohibited in the locker room. These include devices with recording capabilities, including voice recording, still cameras, and video cameras. This is a violation of the USA Hockey SafeSport Policy and may be subject to penalties listed under Player Behavior Specifics below. If they must be used, they should be taken outside the locker room.

Player Behavior Specifics. There will be ZERO tolerance of abusive behavior, either physical or verbal. Harassment, obscene language or gestures, inappropriate physical contact, and other behavior deemed to be abusive toward coaches, referees, officials, opponents, teammates, spectators, or association officials will not be tolerated Depending on facts and circumstances, consequences may include verbal warnings, loss of playing time, suspension, and/or removal from the team and/or association.

Recommended guidelines for offenses are as follows, but may be modified at the coaches’ discretion:

First Offense: The player will be verbally warned by the coach with the parent present and, if possible, the culture keeper will document the action. If the behavior occurs in a practice, they will be asked to sit out for a minimum of 15 minutes. If the behavior occurs during a game, the player will sit out 1 full period.

Second Offense: The player will be removed from the remainder of the game, practice, or other team event and will be warned in writing as soon as possible.

Third Offense: The player will be removed from the team pending a meeting with the CCYHA Disciplinary Board. Depending on the facts and circumstances, consequences can range from a suspension from all CCYHA events (including team events, practices, games, and tournaments) to removal from the team for the remainder of the season and/or expulsion from CCYHA.

Coaches may refer any incident of player misconduct to the CCYHA Board for further review.

I agree to treat my fellow teammates, coaches, CCYHA representatives, referees, and other association members with respect in my participation on a CCYHA team by following this Code of Conduct.

USA Hockey’s Codes of Conduct

Parents Code of Conduct

Do not force your children to participate in sports, but support their desires to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.

Encourage your child to play by the rules. Remember, children learn best by example, so applaud the good plays of both teams.

Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. By showing a positive attitude toward the game and all of its participants, your child will benefit.

Emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit your young athlete. De-emphasize games and competition in the lower age groups.

Know and study the rules of the game, and support the officials on and off the ice. This approach will help in the development and support of the game. Any criticism of the officials only hurts the game.

Applaud a good effort in both victory and defeat, and enforce the positive points of the game.

Never yell at or physically abuse your child after a game or practice - it is destructive. Work toward removing the physical and verbal abuse in youth sports.

Recognize the importance of volunteer coaches. They are important to the development of your child and the sport. Communicate with them and support them.

If you enjoy the game, learn all you can about hockey - and volunteer.

Winning is a consideration, but not the only one, nor the most important one. Care more about the child than winning the game. Remember, players are involved in hockey for fun and enjoyment.

Be a positive role model to your players, display emotional maturity and be alert to the physical safety of players.

Be generous with your praise when it is deserved; be consistent and honest; be fair and just; do not criticize players publicly; learn to be a more effective communicator and coach; don’t yell at players.

Adjust to personal needs and problems of players; be a good listener; never verbally or physically abuse a player or official; give all players the opportunity to improve their skills, gain confidence and develop self-esteem; teach them the basics.

Organize practices that are fun and challenging for your players. Familiarize yourself with the rules, techniques and strategies of hockey; encourage all your players to be team players

Maintain an open line of communication with your players’ parents. Explain the goals and objectives of your association.

Be concerned with the overall development of your players. Stress good health habits and clean living.